Preliminary survey on Xylella fastidiosa in Morocco confirms the absence of the bacterium
Considering the potential risk that Xylella fastidiosa (EPPO A2 List) could present to several crops in Morocco, a preliminary survey was conducted in citrus (Citrus spp.), grapevine (Vitis vinifera) and olive (Olea europaea) crops from May to September 2015 in 6 different regions (Azilal, Gharb, Haouz, Loukkos, Meknès, Souss). In total 43 commercial orchards and vineyards were visually inspected and samples were collected. In total, 900 samples were randomly collected as follows: 220 samples from olives trees in Azilal and Meknès regions; 410 from citrus trees in Gharb, Haouz, Loukkos and Souss regions; 270 from grapevine (table and wine grapes) in Gharb, Haouz and Meknès regions. Collected samples were tested (ELISA, PCR) but all gave negative results. It is concluded that this preliminary survey indicates that X. fastidiosa does not occur in Morocco. However, frequent and extensive surveys in different Moroccan regions are needed to continue to verify its absence.
Sources
Afechtal M, Ait Friha A, Bibi I (2018) A preliminary survey on the presence of Xylella fastidiosa in olive, citrus and grapevine groves in Morocco. Revue Marocaine des Sciences Agronomiques et Vétérinaires 6(1), 6-9.